Dr. August Robert Freda

Dr. August's Story

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Dr. August Robert Freda, 85, Greentown and formerly of Bradford, Pennsylvania, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017, at Community Howard Regional Health. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 19, 1931, he was the son of August A. and Irma Freda (Yarussi). On Aug. 27, 1955, in Duquesne, he married Victoria Freda (Bonosky), who preceded him in death.
He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Blue Lodge 334, and Coudersport Consistory 32 Degree Masons. He graduated from New Kensington High School in 1949. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1953 with his bachelor's degree, 1955 with his master's degree, and 1957 with his doctorate, with all three majoring in metallurgy. From 1957 to 1967, August taught at the University of Pittsburgh at the Pittsburgh campus. He served as chairman of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford campus, from 1967 until retirement. He was lovingly known as "Doc" to all of his students. August was proud to have worked at Los Alamos National Laboratories.
Surviving August are his sons, Anthony B. (Kathryn) Freda, Greentown, and August R. (Janet) Freda Jr., Granger; brother, Ronald Freda, Indiana, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lauren Freda, Granger, Nicholas (Hannah) Freda, Napa, California, Danielle Sewell (Senior Chief Petty Officer Tim Santel, USN), Honolulu, Hawaii; great-grandchildren, Alex Santel, Saria Sewell, and Mika Santel; and nephews, Jim (Janet) Gasowski and Geri (Dar) Gasowski.
August was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Victoria; and brother, Richard N. Freda.
Memorials may be made to the August R. and Victoria J. Freda Scholarship fund at the University of Notre Dame, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.
Services are private.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center. Online condolences may be left at ellersmortuarywebster.com.